The 2024 Henley Passport Index reveals a mobility gap that is bigger than ever. While the top six most powerful passports in the world can visit 194 destinations visa-free, those at the bottom of the index are limited to just 28.
The top spot goes to long-time forerunners Singapore and Japan, as well as four EU member states: France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Afghanistan came last, closely followed by Syria and Iraq.
The biggest change was the position of the UAE, which climbed 44 places since 2014 to claim the 11th position. Ukraine and China also ranked higher, claiming the 32nd and 62nd positions respectively – up from the 36th and 66th positions in 2023.
South Africa remained in the 53rd position in 2024 holding on to its title as the highest-ranking African passport with access to over 100 countries.
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, said there was a general trend towards more travel freedom, with the average number of destinations accessed per country visa-free almost doubling since 2006. However, the mobility gap between the world’s highest and lowest ranked countries was wider than ever, and “the top-ranked countries are now able to travel to a staggering 166 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan,” she said.
